The independent analysis of the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA, or Island Health) delivered by external consultants Ernst & Young two weeks ago concluded that an electronic health records system implemented at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH) was “not properly planned or implemented.”

With the Island's largest over-65 population percentage and one of the lowest number of residential care beds per capita, Comox Valley caregivers are in distress and hospital workers feel the brunt of overcapacity and understaffing. VIHA says more beds and support...

For long-time employees of St. Joseph’s General Hospital, the transition to the new Comox Valley Hospital has presented a triad of difficult changes, including a less flexible management style and some systems that are less efficient and effective.

Already overcapacity, Comox Valley Hospital planners overlooked whole departments and made assumptions on capacity and the new iHealth software that have worsened the bed shortage and added to worker stress, overtime and low morale. This is the second in a series of...

The accumulation of problems at the new Comox Valley Hospital has created a staff morale problem. But which are growing pains or resistance to change, which are systemic and what needs to be done? The first in a series of articles.

They come here to retire. They come from across Canada, the United States and other countries. They come for the Comox Valley’s moderate climate and spectacular landscape. They come, they stay and they age. And so the Comox Valley's population has aged at a rate...

The Comox Valley’s sparkling new North Island Hospital opens this weekend, resplendent with the latest medical technology and designed to inspire happiness and hope. It’s a joyous occasion. But with every yang, there’s also a yin. The bright new government-run secular...